Signs That You’re the Main Character in a Gothic Romance

Gothic fiction is one of my all-time favorite genres, as are many of their variants, namely, gothic romance. What isn’t there to love about a genre of creepy manors, repressed passions, and mysterious yet potentially deadly secrets? Nothing, that’s what. Brooding love interests and borderline, if not full-on, dysfunctional love stories? I’m in. I’m so in.

I’m far from the only person who thinks so. Gothic romance has enjoyed an enduring popularity since Ann Radcliffe published A Sicilian Romance in 1790. Suddenly, gothic novels began to star innocent young women who had to deal with unspeakable terrors in order to be with their true love. Think of Jane Eyre and Rebecca, stories where a mysterious ancestral house sets the stage for danger, tension, secrets, and love.

Now, is gothic romance something that only happens in fiction? Certainly not. Think of all the haunted houses out there. All the family secrets that could lead to a patriarch’s ruin. All the mad wives in attics worldwide. The reality is that, at any given time, you could find yourself the main character of a gothic romance. In order to survive, you need to play your cards right. But how can you do that if you don’t realize what’s happening?

Fear not! That’s where I come in. I’m here to give you all the signs that say you inadvertently stumbled your way into your very own gothic romance. Pay close attention and examine your own circumstances. Does any of this sound familiar? Let’s go.

You’ve Been Invited to Stay at a Family Manor

This is a pretty clear sign. If your friend or acquaintance suggests that you join them in their ancestral home, ask a lot of questions first. Things like: are there odd noises at night? Did somebody die there? Will I be expected to wear a flowing white nightgown at night? If the answer to all of those is yes, you might be better off turning down the invitation.

People Tiptoe Around a Secret That You’re Not Privy To

Okay, so you ignored my advice and went to stay at that family manor or castle anyway. Wait, what? What do you mean you’re in an abbey?

All right. All right. I suppose it’s fine, as long as you’re not seeing signs that the inhabitants are keeping secrets from you. Oh… They’re ending conversations as soon as you walk into a room? Your friend refuses to answer your questions about the manor’s history? There are wails coming from the attic?

Sigh. Okay. I’m afraid that the likelihood of you being in danger just went way up. But it’s not hopeless, so let’s buckle down and continue our rundown.

Does a Mysterious Yet Attractive Man Frequent the Manor?

Things are looking dire. You’re going to need to be very careful about this, all right? First of all, inquire about this man’s marital status. Is he single? Are you sure? Check his attic, just in case. Oh, he’s a widower? I’m going to need you to take a step back, right now. I mean it. At the very least, make sure that his first wife didn’t die under mysterious circumstances.

You’re Attracted to the Man in Question

Oh boy. I’m sorry, I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do anymore. You are, indeed, the main character of a gothic romance. But don’t worry too much. The main characters rarely get killed. You will suffer immensely, that is true, but you can probably get a pretty good deal to write your memoirs about this experience! Just… make sure that the royalties all go to you and not to your brooding and much older love interest. I’m not saying he’s Maximilian de Winter, but… well, he could be. If he has it in him to kill his wife, he’s probably not above wage theft either.

Good luck! May you live to tell the tale.

Can’t get enough of the gothic? Check out this primer on gothic romance and these new and recent gothic romances.